Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean is determined to keep star forward Junior Hoilett out of the clutches of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

Hoilett, 21, has inspired Rovers' climb up the table in recent weeks, with Kean's men now five points above the relegation places - although they have played a game more than Bolton, who hold 18th spot.

However, Hoilett is out of contract at the end of the season and there is no sign of a new deal being agreed, leading to links with the top teams. But Kean remains hopeful he can persuade Hoilett to stay if Blackburn can preserve their Premier League status.

"We hope we can get ourselves to a position of safety and make him an offer," Kean said in the Metro. "We want him to stay here. He is playing out of his skin."

Hoilett, who has been moved from the wing to play in a central role behind striker Yakubu, has scored six Premier League goals this term.